Pakenham Parish Council : Minutes 19th April 2012

PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held 7.30pm 19th April 2012
Pakenham Village Hall

Present: Cllr H Painter, Cllr D Dorling, Cllr M Sargent, Cllr R Griffin, Cllr C Palfrey, Cllr M Bagnall, Borough Councillor C Spicer & County Cllr R Hopfensperger.
Mrs M Gardiner (clerk) was in attendance.

A submission was made by the new owner of The Fox, and his architect, Mr Summers wanted to let the village know his ideas for the development of The Fox.
(approx 50 village residents attended)

1 - Apologies for absence: none.

2 - Declarations of interest: none.

3 - Public Forum: no subjects raised.

4 - County Councillor’s Report:-
Baileypool Bridge – At the site meeting, it was agreed that the normal weight limit signs would be erected, together with signs that will direct heavy vehicles away from the bridge. The signs should be in place in about 4-6 weeks.
Traffic calming – Cllr Hopfensperger discussed this with the engineer, who stated that as there had been no reported accidents, traffic calming could not be put in place. She will look at the statistics with the police and recommends the Community Speedwatch Scheme. Roy Banks is the SCC person to contact.
A resident commented on bus drivers who drive too fast and aggressively along the Street. Cllr Hopfensperger suggested contacting the bus company direct with the number plate details, if noted.
There is a pot-hole just south of Wheelwright’s Cottage that needs repair.

5 - Borough Councillor’s Report:-
Dog bins – Cllr Spicer asked for an update. Councillors had visited sites and agreed to purchase one bin to be sited at the entrance to Church Wood. Clerk to action.
Collapse of fence at St Mary’s View – There is an ongoing dispute about ownership.
Wind turbine – planning application has been called in to committee. Residents are advised to speak to Planning Dept individually about the plans.
             
6 - Police report:-
PC S Tate attended the meeting together with PCSO K Ruston. There have been no reported crimes since the last meeting:
Speeding through the village remains a priority. A request has been made for SID but no confirmation has been received yet.
There have been incidents of BT cable theft from alongside public roads, in other nearby areas.  The public are asked to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or vehicles.
A resident asked about the Speedwatch scheme and this was explained. She expressed interest in volunteering. It was suggested that an article in the village newsletter might encourage others to volunteer.
The Police reminded everyone that they should use 101 to contact them, only using 999 for life-threatening events.

The Chairman convened the meeting.

7 - Approve minutes of meeting held on 22nd March 2012:-
These were approved and signed as a true record.

8 - Planning applications:-
SE/12/0357/HH – The Garden House, The Street.
Erection of pitched roof over existing flat roof and creation of verandah under part of the new roof.
Councillors studied the plans and agreed unanimously that the Parish Council has no objection to the proposals.

9 - Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations:-
A flyer outlining the programme for the weekend has been circulated within the village and volunteers requested to help with events.
Mugs have been received and are now available from the village shop and from the watermill. It is hoped that sale of the mugs will subsidise the cost of those given to the children. Mugs cost £5.25 or £4.60.
The Jubilee Oak has been planted opposite the watermill. An amount of £25 is to be donated towards the cost of refreshments for that occasion.

10 - Parish Plan:-
Local Housing Needs Survey – we need to set up a meeting with Suffolk Acre as they will do the survey for us. Subject to proven need, there should be 106 agreement money of approx £100,000 available to the village from the owners of The Broadway. A suitable site will need to be found for about 1-6 homes, possibly outside the village envelope.
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11 - Baileypool Bridge:-
Following the site meeting with SCC Highways Dept, signs are being made to direct lorries away from the bridge. No bollards are considered necessary.

12 - Church Wood and The Dell:-
Cllr Dorling has met the tree surgeon at Church Wood. He quoted £200 to clear the boundary, which needs clearing as a safety issue. Councillors agreed to the work taking place. Clerk to action.

13 - Finance Report:-
A Finance Report was circulated and payments agreed, to include renewal of the council’s insurance. Councillors agreed to keep the legal liability insurance at £5,000,000.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council has agreed our total precept request of £8998.00.
The Clerk circulated the annual statement prepared for the internal auditor, which was agreed by Councillors and signed by the Chairman.

14 - Clerk’s report:-
Councillor vacancy: a by-election may be necessary; otherwise the position can be filled by co-option.  Some interest in the position has been shown by residents. A formal letter of application will be requested.

15 – Correspondence:-
SCC : Grant money available
MSDC : Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge
SALC : National Planning Policy Framework; Traveller sites; Trainings
CPRE : Countryside Voice
Havebury News
Stop Stansted Expansion
Glasdon brochure

16 - Councillor’s reports:-
The Chairman reported that a grant may be available for a Jubilee noticeboard.
The PCC thanked the Parish Council for their contribution towards the re-surfacing and lighting of the footpath at the church.
Ex-Cllr Kibbel has written to wish the village well in the future and to express his regret at having to hand in his resignation.
The Chairman has written to thank him for his contribution towards the work of the council.
The Chairman presented Cllr Dorling with a personalised mug to mark his  25 years as Tree Officer to the Parish Council

17 - Date of next meeting:-
Thursday 24th May 2012: Annual Parish Meeting starting at 7.00pm followed by the Parish Council Meeting, in the Village Hall.